2008 NBL Champions: Waikato Pistons
The Waikato Pistons claimed their third league title, defeating the Wellington Saints 2-0 in the best-of-three Finals Series. Pistons guard Jason Crowe was named the leagues MVP after a dominant season.
Teams:
10 teams contested the 2008 season (final standings): Waikato Pistons, Wellington Saints, Nelson Giants, Auckland Stars, Harbour Heat, Hawke’s Bay Hawks, Taranaki Mountainairs, Canterbury Rams, Manawatu Jets and Otago Nuggets.
Grand Final (Best Of Three Series):
- Game One: Waikato Pistons (95) defeated Wellington Saints (78) (Referees: Gavin Whiu, Dallas Pickering & Andy Thackray)
- Game Two: Waikato Pistons (84) defeated Wellington Saints (79) (Referees: Dallas Pickering, Gavin Whiu & Tim Brown)
Season Award Winners:
- Regular Season Winners: Wellington Saints (14-4)
- Most Valuable Player: Jason Crowe (Waikato Pistons)
- NZ Most Valuable Player: Casey Frank (Auckland Stars)
- Finals MVP: Puke Lenden (Waikato Pistons)
- Most Outstanding Guard (Keith Carr Trophy): Jason Crowe (Waikato Pistons)
- Most Outstanding NZ Guard (John Macdonald Trophy): Phill Jones (Nelson Giants)
- Most Outstanding Forward (Commissioners Cup): Casey Frank (Auckland Stars)
- Most Outstanding NZ Forward/Centre (Stan Hill Trophy): Casey Frank (Auckland Stars)
- Scoring Champion (Alan Bland Memorial Trophy): Brian Wethers (27.6) (Waikato Pistons)
- Rebounding Champion (Garry Pettis Memorial Trophy): Antoine Tisby (10.8) (Otago Nuggets)
- Assist Champion (Dave Taylor Trophy): Jason Crowe (8.3) (Waikato Pistons)
- Best Team Free Throws (Nial Forsyth Trophy): Harbour Heat
- Rookie of the Year: Tyrone Davey (Auckland Stars)
- Coach of the Year: Doug Marty (Wellington Saints)
- Referee of the Year: Gavin Whiu
- Administrator of the Year: Sarah Moulder (Nelson Giants)
- Media Award: Adrian Seconi (Otago Daily Times)
All-Star Five:
- G: Jason Crowe (Waikato Pistons)
- G: Brian Wethers (Waikato Pistons)
- F: Ernest Scott (Wellington Saints)
- F: Casey Frank (Auckland Stars)
- C: Nick Horvath (Wellington Saints)
Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
